Manchester, NH
Why You’ll Love Living in Manchester, New Hampshire
Lively, artsy, and brimming with year-round indoor and outdoor activities, Manchester, New Hampshire, is becoming a popular choice for those looking to relocate. Young professionals are drawn to the region for its career opportunities and relaxed, urban lifestyle. Families love its affordability and diverse housing options. And many students who move to Manchester for college often stay in the region to plant roots and start their careers.
Thinking of moving to Manchester, NH? Keep scrolling to find all the details about living in Manchester, including quick facts such as the population, median home value and property taxes. Plus, learn more about the cost of living and quality of life in Manchester, from the economy and job opportunities to weather, outdoor activities and things to do, including local restaurants and points of interest.
What Makes Manchester, NH, a Best Place to Live in 2024
Nestled along the banks of the Merrimack River, Manchester, NH, is thoroughly modern with a nod to its storied history as a significant industrial and economic hub in New England. Textile mills used to dominate the area, but the city is now home to diverse industries such as technology, health care, communications and manufacturing. As one of the best places to live in the U.S., Manchester draws residents for its excellent educational system, too. There are a dozen or so colleges and universities that offer all kinds of career paths for students, which feeds into the city’s strong economy.
Manchester entertains residents with artsy venues like The Palace Theatre and the Currier Museum of Art, which showcase works from many of the European and American masters. Historical landmarks dot the landscape with an interesting collection of homes, churches and memorials that attract residents and visitors alike. The Millyard Museum, which opened in one of the renovated mill buildings of the Amoskeag Manufacturing Company, offers rotating exhibits and educational programs about Manchester’s early textile industry. Manchester is the state’s “Queen City,” with residents coming together for sporting events and concerts or to enjoy a night out on the town, which often includes a trendy dining spot or a craft brewery.
Manchester, NH Quality of Life LivScore
Manchester, NH Top Categories
Amenities
Education
Safety
Manchester ranks highest for amenities, education and safety.
Weather and Outdoor Activities in Manchester, NH
From postcard-perfect autumns to warm summers, Manchester gets all four seasons. The region gets hammered with lots and lots of snow in the winter. Thankfully, there are plenty of nearby ski resorts to enjoy all that fresh powder. The average highs and lows are 80°F and 57°F (summer) and 35°F and 14°F (winter).
The average annual snowfall in Manchester is around 57 inches, and the winter season typically lasts from December to March.
The average annual rainfall in Manchester is 43 inches, and rain is spread relatively evenly throughout the year, with slightly higher amounts in the spring and summer months.
Manchester averages 200 sunny days a year.
Many Manchester kids learn to ski at McIntyre Ski Area, which has 11 trails and a lovely snowy patch for beginners. For experienced skiers, the ski area has a racing league that competes at night. There are several great parks in town, too, including Rock Rimmon Park, Amoskeag Falls and Derryfield Park.
Things To Do in Manchester, NH
Channel your inner artist with a stroll through Cat Alley. The alley underwent a revitalization a few years ago and now showcases 18 new murals and some restored originals. During the summer months, Veteran’s Memorial Park hosts a variety of free movies and concerts.
Livingston Park is a favorite, with a playground, a pool outfitted with a water slide and a nearby pond with a walking trail.
Amoskeag Fishways Learning and Visitors Center is an educational center that invites visitors to learn about the Merrimack River and its fish population. The fishways, which help migratory fish navigate the Amoskeag Falls, offer a unique and often overlooked experience in the area.
Pick up your plant babies and crystals at The Terracotta Room, a cute, locally-owned shop.
Cotton, located in the historic Millyard district, is a casual but upscale restaurant with a diverse menu and stylish atmosphere. They err on the side of classic American dishes and drinks with creative twists.
The Palace Theatres (yes, plural!) is a charming historic spot in downtown Manchester that is home to four performing arts venues that host a variety of performances, including Broadway shows, concerts and comedy acts.
Grab a coffee, juice or smoothie from The Bridge Cafe in downtown Manchester.
The Local and State Economy in Manchester, NH
Manchester’s robust economy is experiencing major growth, and some of the leading industries are health care and social assistance, as well as manufacturing and retail trade. Manchester also has a strong sector in terms of biotechnology, and there are several innovative companies based out of the city.
New Hampshire has no state sales tax, and no local sales taxes apply in Manchester.
Technically, New Hampshire does not have a state income tax; however, New Hampshire taxes interest and dividends.
Manchester residents have access to several major health care providers. Both Catholic Medical Center and Elliot Hospital are highly-ranked hospitals in the state.
Manchester has several colleges and universities, including Southern New Hampshire University, the University of New Hampshire at Manchester and Manchester Community College.
Weather in Manchester, NH
Average Temperatures
58 high / 38 low
Average Annual Rainfall
43 in
Average Annual Snowfall
57 in
Quick Facts about Manchester, New Hampshire
- Median Home Value
- $340,854
- Median Property Tax
- $2,689
- Total Population
- 118,759
- Average Commute
- 19 min
- Median Household Income
- $82,000
- Median Monthly Rent
- $1,215
Map of Manchester, NH
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